THE Bathurst Harness Racing Club will pay tribute to some of its most respected past members and contributors tonight with an entire eight-race program of memorial races.

Within that line-up are a couple of races of particular interest, especially the BJ Turnbull Memorial (1,730 metres), a race for two-year-olds and one who’s field is entirely made up of colts and geldings having their first start.

With the Bathurst Gold Crown just around the corner, it will be a good early test of the new crop’s credentials.

BJ Turnbull’s nephew, Steve Turnbull, will have three of the seven runners while his son Josh will have another.

“Around mid-January is usually the time where the two-year-olds get the opportunity to have a race and see how their preparation is going,” BHRC chief executive officer Danny Dwyer said.

“It gives them a chance to get a couple of starts and then have some time for a quick break before coming back for the start of the series in March. 

“Generally by now they are forward enough in their preparation to get out on the track and begin their racing career.

“It is amazing the amount of two-year-olds Steve [Turnbull] gets ready each year and usually there are a number that go on to bigger and better things as shown by Pixies Parlour in the Gold Tiara last year.

“You would think that one or two of his runners that he’s got this week will turn into good horses too.”

The other major event in terms of quality will be the Harold Lonard Memorial (1,730m) for C4-C6 runners. 

Once more Steve Turnbull has a huge representation via a four-pronged team but his aren’t the only class entries.

Mattjestic Star, Midnight Prowler, Lexus On The Beach and Cracka Stride won’t have it all their own way.

Veteran Ashlee Grives gelding Atom Of Courage, Peter Trevor-Jones’ experienced campaigner Crackerjack Jo, and in-form Wendy Turnbull nine-year-old Truly Miss Terious all bring strong claims to the event if racing at their best.

Lightly raced Shane Tritton six-year-old Deimos has also been performing reasonably well.

“This is a good field, Lexus On The Beach is resuming, but has a very imposing record, and Midnight Prowler has been racing very consistently at Menangle of late, so they will be tough to beat but there is quality all around them,” Dwyer said. 

“It is a big meeting, we have a number of families who like to sponsor races and remember loved ones who have passed away and rather than spread those memorial races around, we like to put them on at the same time and give those families an opportunity to celebrate together.

“We’ve had some really good crowds lately with the Shirley Turnbull Memorial on Boxing Day and the Oberon Night of Racing. The weather hasn’t been that kind to us, but the numbers have been great.”

Tonight’s meeting gets underway at 6.14pm.